Category: Gadgets

The Apple Watch is making its way into more countries

As this month continues, the smartwatch is entering a broader range of nations around the world.

The maker of the iPhone is gearing up to make a global splash throughout July as it brings its Apple Watch to a wider number of countries, appearing here and there throughout the world.

The smartwatches have already taken their first steps into a handful of countries as of the end of June.

During the last week of June, the Apple Watch made its way into Mexico, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea. That said, July is going to be a defining month for the first wearable technology that the iPhone maker has ever sold. By midway through the month a number of additional countries will also be added to the list so that consumers there will be able to purchase their own wearables from the brand.

The Apple Watch will reach three more countries as of July 15, where the wearables will generate excitement.

Apple Watch in more countriesJuly 15th will be the day that consumers in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Thailand will have access to the Apple smartwatch, as well. Aside from the countries that have already been mentioned, the wearable technology device is also already being sold in the United States, of course, as well as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The senior vice president of operations at Apple, Jeff Williams, explained that “The response to Apple Watch has surpassed our expectations in every way, and we are thrilled to bring it to more customers around the world.”

The Apple Watch is considered by many to be the device that will be defining the wearable technology world when it comes to smartwatches. All eyes will be on this gadget as it makes its way into new markets and different countries around the world in order to watch for trends, uses, and the level of popularity that it will achieve. This will also help to gain an understanding of the way that the wearable tech devices from other brands will be spreading in different regions over the years to come.

Barclays is expanding its reach in mobile payments

Barclays intends to establish a stronger position in the UK mobile payments scene

Barclays, a leading financial institution, has announced plans to expand its mobile payments initiative in the United Kingdom. Last year, the company launched its own wearable device, which can be used to make contactless payments. Called bPay, the device has found some favor among consumers in the UK, and Barclays now plans to launch more options that will help mobile payments become more mainstream. The company intends to update its wearable device, as well as provide consumers with key fobs and stickers that can initiate a transaction.

Companies are seeing promising opportunities in the mobile industry

Like other companies, Barclays has seen a great deal of promise in the mobile payments sector. Several telecommunications companies have begun entering into this space, as well as technology companies like Apple and Samsung. In order to compete with such large companies, Barclays is working to improve its mobile payments solutions. Apple is expected to launch its new mobile payments service in the UK next month and Barclays intends to compete with the service and vie for the attention of mobile consumers throughout the country.

Cashless payments have overtaken traditional transactions in the UK

Mobile Payments - BarclaysAccording to the UK Payments Council, cashless payments have not overtaken the use of traditional currency. Consumers throughout the UK have shown favor for using their smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices to make payments. These devices represent a more convenient way to shop for and purchase products, especially online. While relatively few merchants accept mobile payments in physical stores, this is becoming more common because of companies like Barclays that are making contactless transactions possible.

New solutions will give Barclays a fighting edge

Barclay’s new key fob and stickers will act as a type of contactless bank card, allowing consumers to pre-load these solutions with funds. Funds can be added online or via a mobile application. Consumers can have several of these solutions and manage them separately. The new solutions may help Barclays better compete with other companies that have muscled into the UK mobile payments industry.